It's NOT All Or Nothing (cont.)

An article Multiculturalism E Pluribus Plures by Diane Ravitch written in 2001 put into words some of the feelings I have been having. She makes the following points:

Point #1: Thanks to social historians like Stephan Thernstrom, Mary Beth Norton, Gary Nash, Winthrop Jordan, and Leon Litwack today's history textbooks incorporate the experiences of women, blacks, American Indians, and various immigrants which reflects a broadened warts-and-all historical understanding of race, ethnicity, and class in the American past. Not only do these textbooks acknowledge the struggles for equality by minorities but also identifies who achieved success becoming political leaders, doctors, scientists, lawyers, scholars, and teachers.

Point #2: A study of a warts-and-all world and American history should inspire humility in all of us as this study will reveal that all racial groups have been guilty of committing terrible crimes, often against others in the same group--Man's inhumanity to man. It will become apparent how absurd both racial hatred and racial chauvinism are.

Point #3: Cultural pluralism is generally recognized as something that is part of this society and that differences among groups is a national resource rather than a problem to be solved. The unique feature of the United States is that its common culture is multicultural.

Point #4: A close examination of American history shows that rather than ethnic tensions tearing us apart as they have in other countries different groups in America while they have competed, fought, and suffered, they ultimately learned to live together in relative peace and harmony and achieved a sense of common nationhood.

Point #5: "Almost any idea, carried to its extreme, can be made pernicious," including multiculturalism.

Point #6: Celebrating Black History Month, Women's History Month, and other ethnic groups when all learn about the achievements of these different groups are a reminder that neither race nor gender needs to be an insurmountable obstacle to high achievement. It can also be a reminder to children of all racial and ethnic backgrounds that they are part of this country and that they, too, should develop their minds and talents to the fullest. It's also important to remember that all children (and adults!) , whatever their skin color, can be inspired by the lives of people of all skin colors, males and females, who exhibited courage, persistence, and intellect. Yet, it also important to understand that although we can be inspired by others of all skin colors, self-esteem and self-confidence come from reaching a goal through one's own efforts.

Point #7: American education is centered on Americentric rather than Eurocentric--and Americentric includes every culture that makes up America.

Point #8: Public schools exist to teach children the general skills and knowledge that they need to succeed in American society and to be contributing members of society to create a national community that is both expansive and inclusive.

Point #9: "Pluralism is a positive value, but it is also important that we preserve a sense of an American community--a society and culture to which we all belong."

The Example of John Edwards

How blessed we are to live in America! As we had the opportunity in Utah to vote for our favorite candidate this last Tuesday I was reminded of that.

I have been learning some lessons about people and leadership throughout this whole 2008 Presidential campaign. One lesson surprised me. It had to do with Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards. When he announced that he was withdrawing from the race, I cried--and I wasn't even going to vote for him. So why was I crying?

I believe that during his announcement that he was leaving the race was the first time it became clear to me that for John Edwards the Presidential race wasn't about him--it was about people, especially those in need. He had said in his campaign speeches that win or lose the Edwards family would be fine; his concern was for America. But the fact that he "walked his talk" and immediately focused his energies on Habitat for Humanity after his withdrawal solidified for me his sincerity that his campaign truly was about people.

In my eyes John Edwards has won. He may do more good for our country than the candidate who wins the Presidential Election. May he be an example for all of us--remembering that the causes in which we are involved are never about us....... And whether we win or lose a battle must never be an excuse not to get to work on what we can do to serve.